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Words & Politeness

The words Japanese people actually use: politeness levels and keigo, honorifics, greetings, which “I” to pick, slang, and what itadakimasu really means.

17 articles · Updated Sep 18, 2026

  • Words & Politeness17 articles
  • Grammar15 articles
  • Anime & Media8 articles
  • Culture12 articles
  • Study Tips7 articles
  • Writing7 articles
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a young woman and a young man greeting each other while she holds a plain bamboo stick between them to measure the polite distance, a white cat sitting at the midpointJapanese Honorifics: -San, -Kun, -Chan, -Sama, or NothingUpdated Sep 18, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a small wooden bell tower in low morning light: one plain bronze temple bell hanging under the roof with a single wooden striking beam suspended beside it, a young woman standing on the earth beside the tower bowing a greeting, and a round white cat sitting on the low base of the towerJapanese Greetings: Pick by Time of Day and Who You FacePublished Sep 14, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a townhouse entrance seen from inside: a young woman standing on the raised wooden floor with one hand on the door post, speaking toward the open sliding door, a single wooden step edge between her and the earthen floor, one pair of wooden sandals by the door, and a round white cat sitting on the edge of the stepFamily in Japanese: Two Sets of Words for the Same PeoplePublished Sep 11, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a shop entrance seen from the street: a young man with one hand parting a plain indigo split curtain and one foot over the threshold, a dim doorway beyond, and a round white cat sitting on the earth beside the door looking out at the streetJapanese Phrases by Scene: What to Say Where, Not a ListPublished Sep 11, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of two locals delightedly praising a bashful traveler who has just said one word of Japanese“Nihongo Jouzu” — Compliment or Not? And How to ReplyUpdated Sep 5, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a runner crouched at the start of a track while a friend behind rests one hand on her back, a small tabby cat sitting on the finish-line post aheadWhat Ganbatte Really Means (and When to Say Something Else)Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a man with hands pressed together saying itadakimasu before an untouched meal, a white cat waiting across the tableWhat Itadakimasu Really Means (Not Just “Bon Appétit”)Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a delighted older man typing with one finger as ornate motifs rise from his phone, beside a calm young woman thumb-typing with nothing above hersJapanese Texting Slang: Kusa, Ri, and “Ojisan Style”Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style triptych of the same young man waving to a friend, nodding politely to a shop clerk, and bowing deeply to his bossKeigo Explained: The Three Politeness Levels of JapaneseUpdated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a student holding a textbook and bowing deeply while a friend in a hoodie offers a casual fist bump5 Textbook Phrases Natives Rarely Say (and What They Say)Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a person politely declining with a small bow and raised hand while a friend smiles backHow to Say No in Japanese Politely (You Rarely Say “No”)Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a tiny acorn and a giant boulder rolling down a hill while a man runs ahead and a cat watchesJapanese Onomatopoeia Has Rules: Learn the System, Not ListsUpdated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a sage, an elegant lady, a samurai and an ordinary young man queueing together at a modern bus stopYakuwarigo: How One Line of Japanese Reveals Who's TalkingUpdated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of three friends reacting to a giant parfait with awe, laughter and mock horrorJapanese Slang People Actually Use: the 6 Words That MatterUpdated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style illustration of a customer handing a parcel with both hands to a clerk at a counter, both giving a small bowKudasai vs. Onegaishimasu: Which “Please” Do You Need?Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style two-panel illustration of the same woman catching a paper airplane and then smiling with her hand on her chest as understanding clicksWakaru vs. Shitteiru: Two Ways to “Know” (One Sounds Cold)Updated Sep 3, 2026
  • Ukiyo-e style triptych of the same young man in a suit bowing, in smart-casual clothes, and in a hoodie laughingWatashi, Boku or Ore? How to Choose Your Japanese “I”Updated Sep 3, 2026
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